Soldier sentenced to 110 years

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- A Fort Campbell soldier convicted of rape and murder in the death of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and the slayings of her family was sentenced to 110 years in prison today.

Pfc. Jesse Spielman of Chambersburg was convicted of rape, conspiracy to commit rape, housebreaking with intent to rape and four counts of felony murder late Friday night. Military prosecutors did not say Spielman took part in the rape or murders, but alleged he went to the house knowing what the others intended to do and served as a lookout.

The 110-year sentence was part of a plea agreement Spielman's attorneys had made with prosecutors that capped the number of years Spielman could serve in prison regardless of the jury's recommendation.

Spielman, 23, received the longest sentence of four soldiers who have been convicted in the assaults. Three other soldiers pleaded guilty under agreements with prosecutors for their roles in the assault and were given sentences ranging from five to 100 years.

Spielman had pleaded guilty on Monday to lesser charges of conspiracy to obstructing justice, arson, wrongfully touching a corpse and drinking.

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